Former President John Dramani Mahama has added his voice to the charge for African youths to spearhead the developmental drive of the continent.
Speaking at the 2022 Africa Prospective Leaders’ Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mahama lauded the initiation of the Summit, which he said is a good starting point for the convergence of African youth to propose African solutions to African problems.
“I celebrated this year’s Africa Youth Day, this morning, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where I shared my thoughts on Pan Africanism and how we can address the challenges the continent and especially African youth continue to face in their efforts to realize a united, peaceful and prosperous Africa.”
“The Africa Prospective Leaders’ Summit 2022 brought together youth from 42 African Countries, including Ghana. I want to thank Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Government and People of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for the consideration, the initiative and funding of the maiden edition of the Summit. Bringing the youth of the continent together, as has been done, to share experiences and whatever best practices they bring along from their individual countries is a very good start. It also provides them with a great networking opportunity – something the continent needs in the quest to enhance the capacity and skills of our youth to utilize its untapped potential.”
Former president Mahama also urged the participating States to aim for take-off to rapid growth, which he said will eventually lead to economic liberation of the continent.
“Africa should aim for a take-off to rapid growth, a double-digit growth, and Africa’s breakthrough will be nearer. We are talking smart infrastructure, we are discussing the use of smart technology on our farms, we are looking at how to build an effective digital economy that provides huge opportunities for entrepreneurship and businesses that serve the world from Africa. With young people that have the right skills set, we should be moving to achieve that. And I am looking forward to all the countries on the African continent allowing for visa-free entry by fellow Africans or an easier visa-on-arrival process.”